Power actuator



Patented May 5, 1931 CALEB BRAGG, OF PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, WASHINGTON, NEW YORK, ASSIGNORS LONG ISLAND CITY, NEW YORK, A OORPO AND VICTOR W.,KLIESRATH, OF PORT T0 BRAGG-KLIESRATH CORPORATION, OF

RATION OF NEW YORK POWER ACTUATOR Application filed September 16, 1927. Serial No. 219,872.

Our invention consists in the novel features hereinafter described, reference being had to the accompanying drawing which shovsis one embodiment of the invention se- 6 looted by us for'purposes of illustration, and the said invention is fully disclosed inthe following description and claims.

In the operation of vacuum brakes for automobiles or other vacuum operated devices in which an actuator comprising a cylinder and piston is operated by differential pressures obtained by a connection to the suction passage of an internal combustion engine, and a connection with the atmosphere, it is necessary to place the suction actuated device in communication with the suction passage of the engine, between the throttle valve and the engine cylinders, when the suction actuated device is operated to apply the brakes, thus discharging a considerable volume of air into the suction passage, which is liable to interfere with the operation of the engine and to stall it if idling, and eliminate the source of suction upon which the operation of the actuator and the brake mechanism, for

example, connected therewith, depends. It.

has been proposed to interpose a vacuum tank in the suction line between the suction passageand the actuator, connected at all times with the suction passage, and by suitable valve I mechanism with the actuator, but it has been found in practice, that the air withdrawn from the-suction actuated device will pass directly through such a storage tank, to the suction passage, as if it were directly connected therewith with the disadvantageous results before noted, unless a storage reservoir is connected to the suction restricting means.

In carrying out our present invention, we provide a vacuum storage space, which may be a vacuum tank, but is preferably provided by making the cylinder of the actuator serve as a vacuum storage, and we further provide means for disconnecting the storage space from the suction passage of the engine, as for example, by closing a suitable valve for the purpose, whenever the suction actuated device is operated, to prevent the delivery of any air-t0 the suction passage during the passage by I The. brake mechanism of the vehicle may effective stroke of the piston of the suction actuated device to apply the brakes, thus preventing any interference with the operation of the engine or the possibility of stalling it during the operation of the actuator, and reestablishing the connection between the suction passage of the engine and the vacuum storage, after the operation of the suction actuated device and the application of the brake mechanism, to permit the air admitted to the actuator cylinder to be gradually withdrawn and the actuator piston and brakes restored to I off or released position.

Our invention also comprises certain novel features of construction and combination of parts hereinafter fully described andp'articularly pointed out in the claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings,

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an installatlon of vacuum brake mechanism m an automotive vehlcle, embodying our inventlon.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the power actuator shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail sectional View of the valve mechanism showing the positions of the valves in normal or released position.

Fig. 4 is a similar view showing the posi? tion of the valves when moved to effect an application of the brake mechanism.

In the drawings, represents an 1nternal combustion engine for propelling the vehicle, provided with the usual carburetor, 61, suction passage leading therefrom to the engine cylinders, and comprising the vertlcal passage, 62, and intake manifold, 63, and having a throttle valve,*64, all of which may be of any usual or preferred construction.

be of any desired type and operate in connection with two or more wheels. It is indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 1 at B and is shown in this instance as comprising a. brake drum, 71, brake band, 72, and brake operating lever, 73, provided with the usual retracting spring, or springs, indicated at 74. The brake operating lever 1s connected in this instance by a link, 75, with the piston rod, 5, of a power actuator secured to the chassis of the vehicle, and comprislng a cylinder, 1, closed at its opposite ends by heads, 2, 2, a piston, 3, and controlling valve mechanism, in this instance carried in the piston hub. The hub of the piston is shown provided with two valve chambers, 11 and 12, separated by a partition, 13, in which is tween the valve chambers.

located an aperture surrounded by a valve seat, 40*, and effecting communication be- The valve chamber, 12, is provided with an aperture, 14, communicating with the cylinder forward of the piston, and provided with a valve seat, 42. The valve chamber, 11, is provided with one or more apertures, 11*, communicating with the cylinder in rear of the piston, and is further provided at its rear end with an air inlet aperture in constant communication with the atmosphere through the hollow piston rod, 5, and surrounded by a valve seat, 41*, disposed oppositely to the valve seats, 40 and 42 The valve chamber, 11, is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed valves, including a main suction valve, 40 and air inlet valve, 41, for engaging respectively the seats, 40 and 41. The valves are formed of molded rubber, or cork, or

composition, or other suitable material, and have central apertures which engage a hollow valve operating part, or sleeve, 20, so as to effect a sealing fit, while permitting the longitudinal movement of the sleeve therethrough. The sleeve, 20, passes through a stuffing box in one cylinder head, and extends preferably through the piston hub and through the piston rod, 5. The valves, 40 and 41, are provided with yielding means, as a spring, or springs, 50, between them, tending to seat them, and the sleeve, 20, is provided with collars, 40 and 41 for engaging the valves, so that a movement of the sleeve in either direction will open one of said valves and permit the other to close or remain closed.

"Within the valve chamber, 12, which I term the auxiliary valve chamber, is an auxiliary suction valve, 42, similar to the valves previously described, and mounted on the sleeve, 20, in the same manner, and pro vided with a spring, 51, acting normally to close it, the sleeve, 20, being provided with a collar, 42", for opening the valve. The valve sleeve, 20, is normally held by a suitable retracting spring in such position that the air inlet valve is closed and the main and auxiliary suction valves are held open, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In this instance we have shown a spring, 21, surrounding the sleeve, within the hollow piston rod, and interposed between a collar, 23, on the sleeve, and a collar, 24, on the interior of the piston rod. We have also shown a retracting spring, 88, for a pedal lever, 87, (or other operator operated part) which is connected to the sleeve, 20, by link, 86, for operating the valves, and either, or both springs strainer, 30.

may be employed. The sleeve is also provided with an adjustable stop collar, 19, to limit the extent to which the valves, 42 and 40, will be held open when the parts are in the normal or ofl position. We also prefer to provide means for limiting the lost motion, or relative movement, between sleeve, 20, and the piston of the actuator, and to permit the operator to add his physical force to that of the actuator and to operate the piston and apply the brakes by his physical force in case of failure of power. In this instance this function is performed by the compression of the spring, 21, until the coils,

are brought together, but any other suitable means for limiting the lost motion between the sleeve and the piston may be employed.

The hollow sleeve, 20, is provided centrally with a plug, or partition, 20*, separating it into two chambers. Exterior to the cylinder, 1, the sleeve, 20, is connected by a suction pipe, 26, part of which is flexible, with the suction passage of the engine between the throttle valve and cylinders, as the intake manifold, 63, as shown. The

sleeve, 20, is provided forward of the partition, 20", with apertures, 27, communicating with the auxiliary valve chamber, 12,

and the sleeve, 20, is preferably provided in rear of said partition with apertures, 28, communicating with the air inlet aperture, 15, at the end of valve chamber, 11 and also with the atmosphere by means of an inlet aperture, 29, in the cap, 25, of the piston rod, which is conveniently provided with a dust The normal position of the valve mechanism is shown in Figs. .2 and 3, and it will be understood that, "asboth valves, 42 and 40 are open, the suction passage of the en e is in communication with the portions 0 the cylinder on bothsides of the piston, so that the air is exhausted from both portions, assum.

ing that the engine is running, and the piston is as we term it, submerged in vac} uum. The entire capacity of'the cylinder, therefore, becomes a vacuum storage space. To apply the brakes the operator will depress the foot lever and move the, sleeve, 20, in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 2, causing both the auxiliary and main suction valves,

42 and40, to close, under the tension of springs, 50 and 51, after which the air inlet valve is opened, as shown in Fig. 4, and air is admitted to the valve'chamber, 11, and the cylinder in. rear of the piston with great rapidity building up pressure which moves the piston forward and applies the brakes to the extent desired. The operators foot and the pedal move forwardly until the desired braking effect is produced, when the operator ceases to move the pedal forward, and a slight further movement of the piston with respect to the valve sleeve, will permit the of its retracting means, and thereby opening be an immediate equalization of fluidpres suresin the cylinder on opposite sides of the,

both suction valves, 42 and 40, and again connecting the cylinder on both sides of the piston with the suction passages. There will piston, permittin a'practically instantaneous release of the rakes-under the action of their retracting springs, and simultaneously the air admitted to operate the brakes will from in quantities suflicient to materially affect the operation of the engine, the slowing down of the engine or stalling itifidling, is prevented after the application of the brakes, leaving the reservoir or storage space exhausted so as to insure a quick application of the-brakes whenever desired.

It is obvious that the vacuum storage space might be within an exterior tank, or reservoir, but we prefer to make the actuator cylinder itself provide the vacuum storage space. We also prefer to provide means as described, for maintaining both the auxiliary suction valve, which controls the communication between the storage space and the suc-, tion passage of the engine, and the, main sucstart to be withdrawn from the cylinder on tion valve, which controls the communicaboth sides of the piston. The brakes and piston will be returned to normal position by the retracting means for the brakes, and whenthe operator releases the pedal, the sleeve will be arrested by the engagement of the collar, 23, with the inner face of the cap, 25, with both suction valves, 40 and 42, in the open position, as -shown in Figures 2 and 3. This leaves the cylinder which is connected with the source of suction on both sides of the piston submerged in vacuum, and practically the entire capacity of'the cylinder is thus utilized as a vacuum-storage space so no exterior tank is necessary.

' It will be seen that in carrying out our present invention, we provide a vacuum storage; space, or reservoir, which is connected with the suction passage of-the engine between thethrottle' valve and thecylinders when the power actuator and brake mechanism connected therewith are in the ofl or released position, so as to insure an extremely quick operation of the power. actuator to apply the brake mechanism when desired.

When it is desired to operate the brake mechanism, this vacuumstorage space is entirely cut off and disconnected from the intake manifold, or suction passage of the engine, and remains cut' off therefrom during the operation of the brake mechanism, and until the brake mechanism is released, so that; there 1 is no possibility of any air being withdrawn from the actuator and discharged into the intake manifold, or suction passageof the engine during the application of the brakes. Thus the slowing down ofthe engine or stalling it if idling during the application of the brake mechanism, is positively prevented. After the brake mechanism is released, the vacuum storage space is again connected with the intake manifold, and the air admitted to operate the brakes is withdrawn from the-storage space at a time when it cannot interfere with the operation of the brakes, and by making the suction pipe leading from the vacuum storage space to the suction passage of,the engine of such diameter that the air cannot be withdrawn theretion between the rear end of the cylinder and the suction passage, in open position when the actuator/ or brakes are in the off or released position, so as to exhaust the cylinder on both sides of the piston and submerge it in-vac'uum. This insures a quick applicationof the brakes and the simultaneous opening. of both suction valves to release the brakes,'and permits an equalization of pressures on opposite faces of the piston and an immediate release .of the brakes under the action of their retracting means followed by 'the exhaustion of theair previously admit;

ted, from both ends of the cylinder.

It will also be noted thatwhen it is desired nism could be located outside of the cylinder of the actuator, for example as illustrated in our former application filed March 13, 1926, and given Serial No. 94,412, by providing suitable pipe connections between the valve mechanism and the suction passage of the engine, the vacuum storage space and the cylinder of the actuator in rear of the pis- 5 ton, and it is also obvious that a single valve mechanism Whether located within an actuator piston as herein shown, or exterior to the. actuator, can be operatively connected with the cylinders of a plurality of power actuators to simultaneously control the pistons thereof. For example in Fig. 1, We have illustrated a second power actuator cylinder, 101, the piston rod, 105, of which may be connected by a link, 175, to other brake. mechanism of the vehicle, or brake mechanism of a separate vehicle, the corresponding ends of the cylinders, 1 and 101, being connected by pipes, 90 and 91, respectively, which may be provided with cut off cocks, 90 and 91 in case the cylinder, 101, is

not desired to be used. It will be obvious that in this case the valve mechanism illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, will control both actuators, and that the forward end of each cylinder will constitute a vacuum storage reservoir. I have also shown the cylinder, 101, provided with pipe connections, 92 and 93 respectively, controlled by cut ofi cocks, 92 and 93 by which another or other cylinders could be connected with the cylinder 1, and all controlled by the single-valve mechanism shown. 7 v

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is I 1. The combination with an internal com-- bustion engine provided with a carburetor, a suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, of a suction actuated device comprising a cylinder, a piston therein, provided with means for connecting it to a part to be operated, and controlling valve mechanism, said cylinder having a portion within the same normally in communication with the suction passage of the engine and constituting a vacuum storage reservoir for the suction actuated device, and means operatively connected with the controlling valve mechanism for cutting off communication between said vacuum storage reservoir and the suction passage when the controlling valve mechanism is actuated, to effect a power stroke of the piston, whereby no air can be admitted from the suction actuated device to the suction passage of the engine during said power stroke.

2. In brake mechanism for an automotive vehicle provided with an internal co'mbus: tion engine having a carburetor, a suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, the combination of a suction actuated device comprising a cylinder, a piston therein, operatively connected with brake mechanism for the vehicle, and controlling valve mechanism for the actuator, a tubular connection from said cylinder to the suction passage of the engine connected to the latter between the throttle valve and the engine cylinders, said cylinder having a portion within the same normally in communication with said suction passage and constituting a vacuum storage reservoir for the suction actuated device, and means operatively connected with the controlling valve mechanism for bustion engine provided with a carburetor, a

suction passage and a throttle valve controlling thecsame, of a suction actuated device comprising a cylinder, a piston therein provided with means for connecting it to a part to be operated, and controlling valve mechanism, said cylinder having a portion therein on one side'of the piston normally in communication with the suction passage of the engine and constituting a vacuum storage reservoir for the suction actuated device, and means for cutting off communication between said reservoir and the suction passage of the engine when the controlling valve mechanism is operated, to effect a power stroke of the piston, whereby no air can be admitted from said reservoir to the suction actuated device during its power stroke.

4. In brake mechanism for an automotive vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine having a carburetor, a suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, the combination of a suction actuated device comprising a cylinder, a piston therein, operatively 'connectedwith brake mechanism for the vehicle, and controlling valve mechanism for the actuator, a tubular connection from said cylinder to the suction passage of the engine connected, to the latter between the throttle valve and the engine cylinders, means for, normally connecting the portion of the cylinder forward of the piston with said suction passage when the piston is in off or retracted position, to form a vacuum storage reservoir'for the suction actuated device, and means for disconnecting said reservoir from the suction passage when the controlhng valve mechanism 1s actuated,

to effect a-power stroke of the pistonto apply a the brake mechanism, whereby no a1r can be admitted to said suction passage from the suction actuated device during the application of the brake mechanism.

5. The combination with an internal combustion engine provided with a carburetor, a

suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, of a suction actuated device comprising a cylinder closed at both ends, a

piston in said cylinder provided with means for connecting it with a part to be operated,

and controlling valve mechanism, means for normally connecting the portion of the cylinder forward of the piston with said suction passage when the piston is in ofi? or retracted position, to form a vacuum storage reservoir for the suction actuated device, said controlling valve mechanism connecting the cylinder in rear'of the piston alternately with said reservoir and with the atmosphere, and means for disconnecting said reservoir from the suction passage when the controlling valve mechanism is operated to disconnect said cylinder in rear of the piston from said reservoir, and connect it with the atmosphere to effect a power stroke of the piston, whereby no air can pass from the suction actuated device to the suction passage during said power stroke.

the cylinder in rear of the piston alternately 6. In brake mechanism for an automotive vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine having-a carburetor, a suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, the combination of a suction actuated device comprising a cylinder closed at both ends, a piston in said cylinder, and controlling valve mechanism, means for connecting the piston with brake mechanism of the vehicle, a tubular connection from the cylinder forward of the piston to said suction passage, normally opened when the piston and brake mechanism are. in retracted position, to form a vacuum storage reservoir for the suction. actuated device, said controlling valve mechanism connecting the portion of in communication with said reservoir and with the atmosphere, and means for cutting off communication between the cylinder forward of the piston and the suction passage when said valve mechanism is operated to elfect a power stroke of the piston to apply the brake mechanism, whereby no air can be admitted to the suction passage during the application of the brake mechanism.

7 The combination with an internal combustion engine provided with a carburetor,

a suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, of a suction actuated device comprising a cylinder closed at both ends, a

piston in said cylinder provided with means for connecting it with a part to be operated,

and controlling valve mechanism, means for normally connectingthe, portion of the cylinder forward of the piston with said suction and said reservoir, and an air inlet valve for admitting atmospheric air to the cylinder in rear of the piston, an auxiliary suction valve 1 for controlling the communication between the,cylinderforward of the-piston and the suction passage, and valve operating means 'holding bothmain and auxiliary suction valves open and the air inlet valve closed when the piston is in retracted position, closing both suction valve and opening the air inlet valve when operated in a direction to effeet a power stroke of the piston, whereby no air can be admitted to thesuction passage of the engine from the suction actuated device during said power stroke.

8. In brake mechanism for an automotive vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine having a carburetor, a suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, the combination-of a suction actuated .device comprising a cylinder closed at both ends, a piston in said cylinder, and controllmg valve mechanism, means for connectmg the piston with brakeNmecha-nism of the vehicle, a tubular connection from the cylinder forward of the piston to said suction passage,

suction valve for closing the communication 7 between the said reservoir and the suction passage of the engine, and a valve actuating part holding said main and-auxiliary suction valves open and the air inlet valve closed, to normally submerge the piston in vacuum when the piston and brakemechanism are in off orretracted position, and closing both of said suction valves and opening the air inlet valve when moved in a direction to effect a power stroke of the piston to apply the brake mechanism, whereby no air can be admitted to the ,suction passage of the engine from said suction actuated device during an application of the brake mechanism.

9. The combination with an internal combustion engine provided witha carburetor, a suction passage and a throttle valve con- .trolling the same, of a suction actuated device comprising a cylinder closed at both ends,

a pistonin the-cylinder provided with means for connecting it with a part to be actuated, controlling valve mechanism for the actuator, comprising a main valve chamber communicating with the cylinder in rear of the piston, and oppositely disposed main suction and air inlet valves in said chamber, an auxiliary valve chamber communicating with said main valve chamber under the cont-r01 of said main suction valve, and communicating with the cylinder forward of the piston, a tubular connection from theauxiliary valve chamber to the suction passage of the engine, an auxiliary suction valve in -said auxiliary valve chamber for controlling the communication between said chamber and the cylinder forward of thepiston, and a valve actuating part normally maintaining both of said suction valves in open position and the air inlet valve in closed position when the piston is in retracted position, to maintain the pistonsubmerged in'vacuum, and closing both main and auxiliary suction valves and opening the air lnlet valve when moved 1n a direction to effect a power stroke of the piston, whereby no air can be admitted to the suction passage ofthe engine from said suction actuated device during a powerstroke of the piston.

10. In brake mechanism for anautomotive vehicle provided with an internal oombustion engine having a carburetor, a suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, 1

the combination ofa suction actuated device comprising a cylinder closed at both ends,

a piston working therein, and provided with means for connecting it with the brake mechanism of the vehicle, and controlling valve mechanism, said controlling valve mechanism including a main valve chamber communicating with the cylinder in rear of the piston, an auxiliary valve chamber comm'unicating with the main valve chamber and with the portion of the cylinder forward of the piston, oppositely disposed suction and airvalves for said main valve chamber, said auxiliary valve chamber being connected with the suction passage of the engine, an auxiliary suction valve for shutting off the communication between the suction passage and the cylinder forward of the piston, a valve operated part for said valves, provided with means for normally holding both the said .suction valves in open position and the air 11. The combination with an internal combustion engine provided with a carburetor, a suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, of a suction actuated device comprising a cylinder closed at both ends, a piston in the cylinder provided with means for connecting it with a part to be actuated, controlling valve mechanism for the actuator, comprising a main valve chamber communicating with the cylinder in rear of the piston, and oppositely disposed main suction and air inlet valves in said chamber, an auxiliary valve chamber communicating with said main valve chamber under the control of said main suction valve,and communicating with the cylinder forward of the piston, a tubular connection from the auxiliary valve chamber to the suction passage of the engine, an auxiliary suction valve in said auxiliary valve chamber for controlling the communication between said chamber and the cylinder-forward of the piston, yielding means normally tending to close said valves, a valve actuating part operatively connected with said valves to eflect the simultaneous opening of said main and auxiliary suction valves and the closingof the air inlet valve when moved in one direction, and the closing of said air inlet valve and the simultaneous opening of the main and auxiliary suction valves when moved in the opposite direction, an operator operated part connected with said valve actuating part, and yielding means normally tending to hold the valve actuating part in posi ,tion to close the air inlet valve and maintain both suction valves in open position when the piston is in retracted position, to maintain the piston submerged in vacuum, whereby the movement of the valve actuating part in a direction to effect the power stroke of the piston will close the suction valves and open the air inlet valve, and efiect such power stroke without admitting air to the suction passage of the engine, and a reverse movement of said valve actuating part will effect the closing of the air inlet valve and the opening of said suction valves to permit an equalization of pressures in the cylinder on opposite faces of the piston, and connect both ends of the cylinder with the suction passageof the engine, to permit the piston to be retracted.

12. In brake. mechanism for an automotive vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine aving a carburetor, a suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, the combination of a suction actuated device comprising a cylinder closed at both ends, a piston working therein, and provided with means for connecting it with the brake mechanism of the vehicle, and controlling valve mechanism, said controlling valve mechanism including a main valve chamber communicating with the cylinder in rear of the piston, an auxiliary valve chamber communicating with the main valve chamber and with the portion of the cylinder forward of the the cylinder forward of the piston, and yielding means normally tending to close said valves, a valve actuating part connected with said valve and effecting the opening of the air inlet valve and closing of both suction valves when moved in one direction, and the closing of the air inlet valve and opening of both suction valves when moved in the opposite direction, an operator operated part connected with said valve actuatingpart,yieldingmeans for normally holding said valve actuating part in position to close the air inlet valve and open both suction valves when the piston is in retracted position, to maintain the piston submerged in vacuum, whereby when the said valve actuating part is moved in a di rection to effect a power stroke of the piston, said suction valves will be closed and the air inlet valve opened, and said power stroke will be effected without admitting air to the suction passage of the engine and a movement of the valve actuating part in a reverse direction will permit the air inlet valve to close and open both suction valves, to effect an equalization of pressures in the cylinder on opposite sidesof the piston and connect both ends of the cylinder with the suction passage of the engine, to permit the return movement of the piston and brake mechanism .to retracted position. r

13. The combination with an internal combustion engine provided with a carburetor, a suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, of a plurality of'suction actuated devices each COIIIPIiSfilgKit cylinder closed at both ends, and a piston therein provided with means for connecting it to a part to be operated, and a single controlling valve mechanism for all of said suctiomgctuated devices, each of said cylinders having a portion thereof on at least'one side of the piston therein normally in communication with the suction passage of the engine, the said portions of said cylinders constituting a Vacuum storage reservoir for said suction actuated devices, said means operatively connected with the controlling valve mechanism for cutting of]? communication between the said portions of said cylindersiandjthe said suction passage when 'thevcontrolling valve mechanism is actuated to effect a power .stroke of the piston, whereby no air can be admitted from any of the suction actuated devices to the suction passage of the engine during the simultaneous power strokes thereof Y 14. The combination with an internal com bustioIl engine provided with a carburetor,

a suction passage and a throttle valve con-. trolling the same, of a plurality of suction actuated devices each comprising a cylin der closed at both ends, and a piston therein provided with means for connecting it too a part to be operated, asingle controlling ing the portion of thej cylinder forward of the piston with said suction passage when the piston is in off or gretracted position to form a vacuum storagereservoir for the suction actuated device, said controlling valve mechanism being constructed to connect the cylinder in rear of the piston alternately with said reservoir and With the atmosphere, a cut off valve operatively connected with said controlling valve mechanism for cutting ofl communication between the cylinder forward v of the piston and said suction passage when the controlling, valve mechanism is operated to disconnect said cylinder in rear of the anism and said cut off valve, whereby by operating the operator operated part sufficiently to close the cut off valve the starting of the engine will be facilitated.

Intestimony whereof we aflix our signae tures. v

CALEB S. BRAGG VICTOR W. KLIESRATH.

valve mechanism for all of said suction actuated devices, saidcylinders having corresponding portions in communication with each other and with said valve mechanism, each cylinder having a portion within the vsame on at least one side of the piston thereof normally in communication with the suction passage of the engine and constituting a vacuum storage reservolr for the suction actuated device, and means operatively'con-' nism is actuated to effect a power stroke of.

nected with the controlling valve mechanism for cutting ofl communication between said portions of said cylinders and the suction" passage when the controlling valve mechathe piston, whereby no air'can be admitted 'from' any of the suction actuated devices to a the suction passage of the engine during the simultaneous power strokes thereof.

15. In an automotive vehicle, the combina tion with an internal. combustion engine hav- 65 actuated device, means for normally connecting a carburetor, a'suction passage and a throttle valve controlling the same, of a suc- 

